I was outraged and appalled to read about Deb Nelson, chairwoman of the Hanover/Lyme Democrats, and her friends mailing out pre-filled “sample” ballots. (“Democrats’ ‘sample’ ballots unlabeled,” Oct. 15). This is particularly egregious since apparently the ballots can not easily be identified as unofficial ballots. I think it wonderful that it was a “mistake,” which is similar to lying politicians who “misspoke” and were caught.
According the New Hampshire statutes (Section 656:18) sample ballots are sent to towns for publication on tinted paper. Is photocopying and filling out these ballots a crime? I certainly hope so. I used to believe in popular democracy, but no longer.
JONATHAN VINCENT
Norwich
It often happens that police are the first to be called when someone with mental health problems is in crisis. All too often violence is the outcome. At least one Vermont town has opted to hire a social worker to assist the police in dealing with these situations. Given the financial limitations of most Vermont communities, I would like to suggest an alternative that may be more cost effective.
The FBI has developed techniques for hostage negotiation that can be easily adopted as part of police training. One of its retired chief hostage negotiators, who has taught at Harvard, MIT, USC and Georgetown University, has written a book about using these techniques in everyday life. The book is Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss. Using the principles and techniques described in this book as part of police training would enable officers to avoid confrontation and de-escalate potentially violent situations.
E.D.M. LANDMAN
Post Mills
Having served my country overseas for many years, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have strong, well-coordinated health systems and trust in leaders during a public health crisis like the coronavirus pandemic. For example, during the West African Ebola outbreak, leaders who embraced difficult measures and talked straight to their people about the risks of not changing behavior brought the virus under control more quickly and limited the economic damage.
I believe in individual choice. However, people must have accurate information, including how their actions may impact others, to make sound decisions in a health crisis. In addition, coordination at national, state and local levels is vital for efficiently distributing scarce resources such as protective equipment and sharing the lessons learned.
Unfortunately, President Donald Trump has done the opposite, giving grossly inaccurate information about the coronavirus and refusing to put in place a national strategy. While New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has done a bit better, he has still left towns, schools and businesses to struggle with far too many issues on their own, costing precious time and money, and we are not out of the woods yet.
Democratic candidates know what to do to bring this pandemic under control and safely get people back to work and school. Joe Biden has a national pandemic strategy ready to go on Day One. Dan Feltes’ Workers COVID-19 Bill of Rights and the Live Free and Learn Safe plans make common sense. State Senate District 8 candidate Jenn Alford-Tester, Sullivan 2 candidate Sue Gottling and Sullivan 9 candidate Linda Tanner will support legislative action to implement these plans and promote affordable, accessible health care. They genuinely care about restoring the well-being of families, communities and the economy. Please vote for them.
SUSAN FINE
Sunapee
I am writing in enthusiastic support of Joe Kenney to serve as our Executive Council member representing all the people of District 1.
Kenney has a history of strong and unbiased leadership, which has been demonstrated by his service to country as a Marine, to the state of New Hampshire in the House of Representatives and Senate, and by following the late Executive Councilor Ray Burton as our executive councilor for District 1 from 2014 to 2019. His leadership is second to none as a person who brings unity to politics for the benefit of all people, no matter what party they are affiliated with.
During my time serving as state fire marshal, I observed firsthand his dedication and sincere love for our state and its people. This is the way he lives his own life, with integrity, honesty and fairness.
He understood and supported a safe environment while standing up for and with the people of our district without consideration for political party. This is what a politician is supposed to do once elected to office — represent all the people. He listened and then acted to help find solutions to issues raised to him by constituents. This is a person who I want to represent me as our District 1 Executive Council member.
Please join me in supporting Joe Kenney. Vote Nov. 3 to elect a person with experience, honesty and integrity who will stand for all of us in District 1. Joe Kenney is a leader who is ready to bring unity, which our state and country need, and stands ready to serve on Day One.
J. WILLIAM DEGNAN
New London
Much was made, following the primary, that some New Hampshire Democrats wrote in Gov. Chris Sununu’s name on their ballot. This decision boggles the mind. Let me remind readers that Sununu has vetoed 79 bills, and two-thirds of them received bipartisan support in the House and Senate. He has chosen to defy the will of the voters and of their elected representatives.
Particularly egregious was the veto of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which would allow a parent time off from work to care for a severely ill child, or to be at the bedside of a dying parent. The bill acknowledges the many medical conditions that require absence from work, such as concern over being contagious, and it also includes the act of giving birth. It is unconscionable to me, as a parent and a grandparent, that Sununu would compare the weeks after delivery to “a vacation” for the mother. Surely every parent knows that the first days, weeks and even months with a new baby are exhausting.
And yet Sununu was not done with his pandering to the Republican Party. After vetoing the bill, he then auctioned it off — along with the flag that flew over the Statehouse the day of the veto — at a Republican fundraiser. He made a document representing hope for those trying to navigate the trauma of illness into a raffle prize.
In their attempt to meet the needs of New Hampshire citizens, the House and Senate brought the Family and Medical Leave Act back to the governor after the pandemic began spreading, and once again the vetoed it. To veto a bill that offers financial support during a medical crisis, that offers the possibility of safely isolating without risking job loss, that offers a lifeline to families struggling under a pandemic, is not democratic, and it is not good government.
The people of New Hampshire deserve a governor who will be responsive to their needs, who will work with the House and Senate, and who will not dismiss and ridicule those who need support.
ANNE SEGAL
Hanover
The time is now to enact change in our community with the opportunity to elect a young woman who is committed to working toward a new kind of rural representation. Kate MacLean’s steadfast promise to put party aside to address the needs and concerns of her constituents is important and invigorating for our district, as there hasn’t been one person who has been untouched by COVID-19. Having someone who is able to relate to her constituents and understand what their lives are like is imperative to representation, and our voices will be heard in Montpelier through her.
MacLean knows the challenges small farms face, as she herself is a livestock farmer. As a mother of two public school students, she appreciates the importance of our small schools, and as a Selectboard member, knows how difficult it is for constituents to afford to pay for public schooling through property taxes. I think she will do a fantastic job as a state representative, and I have faith that she will voice our concerns, be transparent about what is going on, and advocate for what is best for our communities, as she has done in Chelsea.
I encourage you to vote for Kate MacLean to be one of our two state representatives in the Orange-1 district.
CAYLEIGH O’CONNELL
Corinth
Karen Ebel should be re-elected to the New Hampshire House as she has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership abilities while representing the New London and Newbury district with skill and conscientious diplomacy.
She began her first term in 2013 and, as a fledgling legislator, she immediately engaged stakeholders and citizens in addressing many complex and urgent issues facing this region and all of New Hampshire. Her leadership abilities were recognized during the most recent term as she was tapped to become deputy speaker of the House. While holding this position, she has continued to place the needs of her district at the forefront.
New London and Newbury voters have had ready access to her through regular listening sessions. She is responsive and will hear concerns from myriad stakeholders representing many sides of an issue before working effectively with colleagues toward acceptable solutions. She embraces diverse points of view; she readily reaches across the aisle to work with House colleagues locally and statewide.
From observing her work we’ve seen evidence of her ability to gain a deep understanding of issues for which there are not simple solutions. We’ve been impressed with her ability to bring together multiple parties and work out solutions that are nonpartisan and fair, including addressing the complexities of solid waste management and securing bipartisan support for a bill requiring early screening of students for dyslexia risk factors.
Recently, she played a pivotal role in the effort to move the House to meet remotely when COVID-19 required that in-person sessions end before the spring term concluded. Responding to local concerns, she worked with the Department of Transportation, the Attorney General’s Office, our town and the bus company serving it to ensure a video feed from the park-and-ride went to police, enabling quick response.
New London and Newbury have been well served by Karen Ebel’s professionalism and dedication to public service and constituent needs. We will do well to re-elect her and send her back to Concord for her fifth term.
DOUG and CHARLENE BAXTER
New London
I am writing to endorse Ray Gagnon for Sullivan County commissioner in District 1.
The county, the state and the nation are facing uncertain times and we need a steady hand. Gagnon is that steady hand. He will make the right decision regarding county budgets and the future of the county’s need for a nursing home.
His experience will be invaluable in the upcoming term. His vast experience as a representative, mayor and councilor have created a man with the expertise we need. A final point, often overlooked, is that he is also a cool grandpa.
JIM CONTOIS
Claremont
The writer represents Ward II on the Claremont City Council.